How To Get A Job As A Personal Trainer

This article is for anyone that's either entering or looking to move up the career ladder in the fitness industry.

During my time working as a club manager and as a gym owner, I think I've seen just about everything when it comes to recruiting staff. From almost amusing applications, to stand out candidates that made me actually create a position in my club, just because they were THAT good.

Maybe you've just become a fully accredited personal trainer or you're looking to move on to bigger and better things by applying for a more challenging role; if you really want to improve your chances of getting the all important interview and then wowing the interviewer once you get through the first stage, then there are a few steps you should seriously consider.

Before we get to the good stuff:

Like any career, getting that first break into your chosen industry is always the hardest. You could be the greatest trainer in the world, but without any job experience it's difficult to convey that message on paper.

The same can be said for applying for a more senior role; maybe as a personal training manager or even club manager if that's the next step you want to take in your fitness career.

Regardless of where you're experience levels are at, there are certain steps that you can take to drastically improve the likelihood that you will get an interview based on how you present your resume and several little tricks to support your application and really impress:

1. Only Apply For Jobs That You Would Accept If Offered:

Nobody likes a time waster, so if you're not genuinely interested in accepting a position if it is offered to you, don't waste yours, the gyms, studios or fitness centers time by applying for it.

I agree that sometimes it's good to have 'warm up' interviews, but lets say that a gym that you have a practice run with isn't exactly what you're after and you stroll on in and go through the motions, it's you who will end up looking bad.

Taking that one step further, imagine that in 12 months time, you see DREAM JOB being advertised and you apply, but guess what, the gym manager from that practice run that you screwed around in is now the manager at this new club; he or she are not going to give you the time of day. And yes, in the fitness industry that scenario is HIGHLY LIKELY which takes us to number 2.

2. Always Be Professional And Courteous:

From my time working as an employer, I can assure you that recruiting new staff is NOT my idea of fun. It's expensive, very time consuming and can be quite emotional, especially if the center is someones 'baby' so to speak.

Treat the manager or business owner with the respect that they deserve. Even if the gym's not fancy, or the owner seems a little off the wall...The fact that they're looking for staff is a sign that the business is growing. The manager/owner may even seem a little screwy, but that's because he or she has probably been working 14 - 15 hour days for the past 6 months to get their club where it is to be able to offer YOU a job.

3. Read Job Applications Thoroughly Before Applying:

Read the whole application, not just the headline. Just because it says personal trainer, this does not mean that it's the job for you. Make note of the following before you apply:

• The location: Is it even practical for you to work there?
• The pay: Can you afford to work there?
• The responsibilities: Being realistic, can you actually perform what they're asking?

4. Check Out Their Website:

Take a look through their site. What does it tell you about the club or business? Is it growing, how long have they been in business? Have a look at any images of the club, that way when you get to point number 5, you can discuss the gym facilities in detail.

5. Call Ahead:

This seems pretty straight forward, but if there is a name and a phone number in the advertisement, give them a call. When I've applied for jobs (that I knew I was qualified to do) I'd always call before emailing my resume. Have a few questions prepared (preferably ones that aren't answered in the ad) and don't come out asking about money straight off. Ask them things like:

• Who would you be reporting to?
• How/why has this position become available?
• What should you wear to the interview if your application is successful?

Building some rapport with the gym or HR manager and then (assuming YOU'RE satisfied with the discussion) mentioning that they can expect your resume shortly, there is a very good chance that it won't get lost in their inbox, in fact, they'll probably look at it as soon as it arrives (assuming that THEY were satisfied with the discussion).

6. Check And Triple Check That You Have Dated And Addressed Your Application Correctly:

If there's a name of a person in an advertisement where to send your application, address your covering letter to that person, not "Dear Sir Or Madam". If there is no name but the email address where you're sending it is Dave@mygymrocks.com, then it's safe to assume you can address it to Dave.

Nothing frustrates a potential employer more than an application that's addressed to the wrong person; all that shows is that you're applying for every job out there and that you're careless.

7. Be An Individual But Not A Cocky Prick:

I'm sure you rock at what you do, but save that for transforming your clients. Employers aren't looking for new friends, they are looking for people who will match a businesses certain culture and fit in with them and existing staff. If they feel like you're going to annoy them or their staff, then you're application will go on the big pile.

Be confident, but use relative examples and experiences to showcase your achievements not cocky comments and gestures.

8. Dress According To The Role You're Applying For:

Since you so cleverly asked what you should wear to the interview if your application was successful, this should be a no brainer. If you weren't able to find out over the phone, go back to their website and see what the staff wears and wear something similar.

By similar I suggest a classier version of it. If they wear black t-shirts and shorts, you might want to consider a black shirt and pants or nice jeans. It helps the employer visualise you in the role and that's what you want.

Recruitment is just as stressful for the employer as it is for the candidate; you're interviewing them as much as they're interviewing you. Job applications are sales letters and interviews are sales presentations so treat them as such. Do your research, prepare questions and take notes and you will land a job or climb the rungs of fitness industry glory.

If you enjoyed this article or found it helpful; please share it on facebook and twitter by clicking the icons at the top of the post and good luck!

Additional Reading:
3 Traits Of A Successful Personal Trainer
Is The Fear Of Failure Holding You Back?
How Much Do Personal Trainers Make?